Ultrasound-enabled control of nerve signals with targeted ion channels
Official title: Ultrasonic modulation of cellular electrical signaling
Funded at Rowan University · NIH-11359668 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study using focused ultrasound to influence how nerve cells fire by targeting specific ion channels, aiming to develop new, noninvasive ways to modulate brain activity.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rowan University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Glassboro, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2022 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $241,530 |
| NIH project number | 5R00NS125102-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11359668 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals with conditions involving abnormal brain or nerve activity who could benefit from future sonogenetic therapies or noninvasive neuromodulation approaches.
✕Less likely to help
People unlikely to benefit include those without conditions that involve modifiable nerve signaling or those without access to future sonogenetic techniques.
What this research studies
This project explores how ultrasound can mechanically affect ion channels in nerve cells to change their electrical activity. Researchers will test which channels respond to ultrasound, measure the forces involved, and determine optimal ultrasound settings. The goal is to create tools that could be used in future therapies by turning on or off nerve signals in a precise and noninvasive way.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new noninvasive methods to modulate brain activity or treat nervous system disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary data show some ion channels respond to ultrasound, suggesting potential for further development; this area is promising but still early.
Where this research is happening
-
Rowan University
Glassboro, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sorum, Ben — Rowan University
- Study coordinator: Sorum, Ben
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.